Why the OKC Thunder wouldn’t be compelled to make this deal
The other obvious point is Favale is suggesting the OKC Thunder take three players (Bradley, Cook, McGee) due $12.2 million, plus a draft pick or substitute in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($8.49M) for one of that trio to drive the total up. For example, KCP, Bradley, and McGee would total $17.7 million which is near the salary Gallinari would draw.
Production-wise the above trio scored a cumulative 20.3 points, grabbed 9.2 rebounds, and dished 2.9 assists. The trio produced 2.0 successful 3-point makes per game. In comparison, Gallinari registered 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while connecting on 2.9 perimeter shots per game.
The perceived value is supposed to be the fact these players are all on expiring deals. Yet, Presti would need to either incorporate these players into his roster or move them. In terms of roster fit this only works if other changes are made.
While Nerlens Noel is a free agent he would be a player Presti is more inclined to bring back. Notably, Noel made half the amount McGee did this past season ($2.0M) but his production was equal or better to McGee’s.
| Rk | Player | Age | G | MP | FGA | FG% | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FTA | FT% | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JaVale McGee | 32 | 68 | 16.6 | 4.5 | .637 | 4.4 | .640 | .642 | 1.2 | .646 | 3.9 | 5.7 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.4 | 6.6 |
| 2 | Nerlens Noel | 25 | 61 | 18.5 | 4.4 | .684 | 4.4 | .688 | .686 | 1.7 | .755 | 3.4 | 4.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 7.4 |
Provided by Stathead.com: View Stathead Tool Used
Generated 9/28/2020.
Then factor in the age difference of the 25-year old Noel versus the 32-year old McGee.
As for the inclusion of Cook or Bradley, or KCP, none of these players would add substantial offense, and two are questionable defensively. Moreover, two of the three untouchable players on the OKC Thunder are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort (both guards).
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Not to beat a broken drum here, but what the Thunder needs moving forward are players who can consistently hit from deep, who have playmaking skills, and who can defend multiple positions.
Regardless of what Presti does with free agents Danilo Gallinari and Nerlens Noel and/or whether he trades Chris Paul, Steven Adams, Dennis Schroder, or others this mish-mash from the Lakers won’t address short or long term goals.
Ultimately, what Sam Presti does will always return to the roster priority the team has needed to replace since 2016 — a forward who can score in all areas and is a two-way player. Gallinari filled the majority of those needs and his production this past season speaks to that fact.
Emphasis needs to be placed on perimeter scorers (don’t get me started about Tyler Herro again) and players with the ability to create their shots via playmaking for themselves or others.
None of the above players fills those needs.
While Favale did call this “dark horse destinations”, this is more of a one-sided view. It might be exciting for pundits to build a super team in LA, but in this case, Presti would be better served to let Gallo walk for nothing than complete this trade.
Thunderous Intentions will dive deeper into this subject in the coming days and weeks with a view to deals that make sense for the OKC Thunder either in terms of assets, drafts, or opportunity.